System, device and method for automated treatment of symptoms associated with nerve gas exposure

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for treating nerve agent exposure in a person are disclosed. Specifically, systems and methods for detecting with sensor(s) the presence of a nerve gas in the vicinity of a person and/or symptoms in a person as a result of exposure to nerve gas, followed by actuation of an alarm and automatic initiation of a programmed injection sequence comprising at least one injection of a nerve gas antidote comprising at least one of atropine, an anticholinesterase reactivator such as 2-PAM and an anti-convulsant such as diazepam.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/695,618, filed Sep. 5, 2017 and entitled SYSTEM AND METHODS FOROVERDOSE MITIGATION, claiming the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/411,069, filed Oct. 21, 2016, and entitledSYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OVERDOSE MITIGATION, the entirety of each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for preventing ormitigating the effects of nerve agent exposure. More specifically,disclosed embodiments relate to preventing death from exposure to nerveagents, such as sarin, by automatic delivery of nerve agent antidotes,e.g., atropine followed by, or in combination with, anacetylcholinesterase reactivator such as 2-PAM, within seconds ofdetection of the presence of a nerve agent in the immediate environmentor detection of symptoms of nerve agent exposure and, in some cases whenconvulsing is sensed, automatic delivery of a convulsant antidote suchas diazepam.

BACKGROUND

Chemical warfare agents are generally classified by their mechanism ofaction and include blood agents and nerve agents. Nerve agent examplesinclude without limitation: sarin, VX, tábun, and soman.

Nerve agents inhibit the normal action of acetylcholinesterase, achemical compound that serves to break down acetylcholine which causesmuscular contraction. Thus, nerve agents inhibit the breaking down ofacetylcholine resulting in violent muscle contractions and spasms.

A general antidote to exposure to nerve agents consists of a series oftwo injections: a first injection with an effective amount of atropine,followed by a second injection of an acetylcholinesterase reactivatorcompound. The atropine works to protect against excess acetylcholineformation occurring as a result of the nerve gas exposure and poisoning.The reactivator restores acetylcholinesterase activity to its normalfunction. A typical acetylcholinesterase reactivator is pralidoxime(2-PAM), though other compounds may be used.

Because nerve agents act rapidly, it is critical to administer thetreatment comprising atropine and the acetylcholinesterase reactivatoreither just prior to, or immediately following, exposure to the nerveagent.

It is known in the art to inject atropine followed by an injection of2-PAM to counteract the effects of nerve agents. However, in certainsituations, e.g., on the battlefield, the exposed individual, or acompanion, must recognize the exposure's imminence or the exposureitself, and then quickly administer the two-injection antidote in orderto minimize damage. Typically, the antidote is self-administered intothe outer thigh muscle, or the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks andis done through the clothing. In certain cases, where the victim isincapacitated and/or incapable of acting, a companion will administerthe antidote injections, again typically through the clothing.

Accuracy, and consistency, in locating the injection site in therecommended area is important, particularly in the case of injectioninto the buttocks so as to avoid nerves.

The requirement to administer through clothing may adversely affect thequality and efficiency of the antidote's administration by, inter alia,resulting in bending of the injection needle, an insufficient, orsub-optimal, depth of penetration by the injection needle into thesubject's flesh. In turn, the efficacy of the antidote may becompromised.

The timing of administration of the antidote, however, is clearly thevariable most critical to its success in treating the exposure. Time toadministration, therefore, is a factor that can be adversely affected byseveral variables using the known administration systems and techniquesincluding the delay in administration until: (1) the threat and/orexposure is recognized either by the individual or a companion; (2) thefirst injection device is manually accessed and manually prepared forinjection, followed by manual execution of the atropine injection; and(3) the second injection device is manually accessed and manuallyprepared for injection, followed by manual execution of theacetylcholinesterase reactivator injection. Some or all of these timingdelays may be mitigated. Additionally, the consistency of injection siteand injecting through a subject's clothing are variables that may beimproved.

Moreover, in certain cases, the subject exposed to nerve gas may go intoconvulsions. At this stage of the exposure, it is known to administer,using the same manual recognition and injection techniques describedabove, a convulsant antidote to treat the convulsions. Typically,diazepam is the convulsant antidote used. However, treating a convulsingpatient requires optimization of timing (including recognizing thecondition, accessing and preparing the injection device and injectingthe subject), in addition to injection site optimization and skinproximity.

The present invention is also applicable to prevention or mitigation ofsymptoms due to accidental narcotics overdosing. Deaths due toaccidental narcotics overdoses are a major preventable cause of death.This high rate of overdose deaths occurs in spite of attempts to widelydistribute an overdose antidote (e.g., Naloxone), including attempts towidely distribute the antidote to first responders and care givers. Themechanism of death in overdose is generally due to respiratorysuppression, which leads to respiratory arrest, hypoxia, and death.Thus, rapid administration of an antidote is critical to prevent deathsdue to opioid overdoses.

One example of an antidote is Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist.It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, and can block theeffects of narcotics. This leads to a rapid reversal of opiate effectsin the central nervous system. Naloxone can be administeredintravenously, intranasally, or intramuscularly. An adult dose ofNaloxone for an opioid overdose may range from 0.4 to 2 mg/dose and maybe repeated every 2 to 3 minutes as needed, up to a maximum cumulativedose (e.g., of around 10 mg). Naloxone is part of overdose kits and hasbeen shown to reduce the number of overdose deaths. However, theoverdose victim is unable to self-administer the medication.

The present invention addresses these, inter alia, needs.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, a nerve agent exposure treatment systemincludes a first injector fluidly communicating with, and coupled to, afirst reservoir containing atropine, a second injector fluidlycommunicating with, and coupled to, a second reservoir containing anacetylcholinesterase reactivator, and a third injector fluidlycommunicating with, and coupled to, a reservoir containing diazapam. Theatropine and acetylcholinesterase reactivator, e.g., 2-PAM, and/or thediazepam may be combined for delivery with a single injector, or twoinjectors, and may further be combined into a single reservoir, or tworeservoirs. The system includes a processor coupled to a user interface,an alarm, and the injector(s). The processor is configured to, inresponse to detection of the nerve agent, or symptoms of nerve agentexposure, by sensor(s): actuate the alarm; wait a predetermined amountof time (in some embodiments); and actuate the injector(s) unless aninput is received from the user interface.

According to some embodiments, an overdose mitigation method includesdetecting the presence of a nerve agent in the subject's immediateenvironment with a nerve agent detection sensor. In addition, oralternatively, a sensor may detect physical symptoms of nerve agentexposure. The method includes, in response to detection of nerve agentin the immediate environment and/or physical symptoms of nerve agentexposure, actuating an alarm, waiting a predetermined amount of time (insome embodiments), and delivering the antidote injection(s) unless aninput is received from a user interface device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing components of an overdosemitigation system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a method, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram showing components of a nerve agentexposure treatment system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of a method, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying figures. The example embodiments described herein are notmeant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and otherchanges may be made, without departing from the scope of the subjectmatter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspectsof the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustratedin the figures can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, anddesigned in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which arecontemplated herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing components of anoverdose mitigation system, according to some embodiments. Overdosemitigation system 100 includes injector(s) 102, a reservoir 103 forholding an antidote 104 and that is coupled with and/or in fluidcommunication with the injector(s) 102, sensor(s) 106, an alarm 108,processor(s) 112, data storage 114, program instructions 116, acontroller/app 118, power source(s) 120, a user interface 122, actuator124, and housing 126. The overdose mitigation system 100 is shown forillustration purposes only and may include additional components and/orhave one or more components removed without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Further, the various components of overdose mitigationsystem 100 may be communicatively coupled or otherwise in communicationwith each other in any manner now known or later developed that enablesthe components to operate as a system to perform the functionalitydescribed herein.

Processor(s) 112 may be a general-purpose processor or a special purposeprocessor (e.g., digital signal processors, application specificintegrated circuits, etc.). The processor(s) 112 can be configured toexecute computer-readable program instructions 116 that are stored inthe data storage 114 and are executable to cause the overdose mitigationsystem 100 to perform the functions and features described herein. Forinstance, the program instructions 116 may be executable to providefunctionality of the controller/app 118, where the controller/app 118may be a smartphone application that is configured to accept a touchinput to turn off the alarm and stop an injection. The controller/app118 may be configured to communicate information as well. For example,the controller/app 118 may be configured to send a text message alert oremail to emergency personnel or care givers indicating an overdose hasoccurred (e.g., after the overdose sensor detects an overdoseindicator), that the injector(s) 102 have been used, or anything else.

The data storage 114 may include or take the form of one or morecomputer-readable storage media that can be read or accessed byprocessor(s) 112. The one or more computer-readable storage media caninclude volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such asoptical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can beintegrated in whole or in part with processor(s) 112. In someembodiments, the data storage 114 can be implemented using a singlephysical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or other memory ordisc storage unit), while in other embodiments, the data storage 114 canbe implemented using two or more physical devices. Further, in additionto the computer-readable program instructions 116, the data storage 114may include additional data such as diagnostic data, among otherpossibilities.

The overdose mitigation system 100 may include one or more sensor(s)106. For example, sensor(s) 106 may include a pulse oximeter sensor tomeasure oxygen saturation levels. The pulse oximeter may be connected tothe processor(s) 112 and configured to provide an overdose indicatorshould oxygen saturation levels drop below a predetermined threshold.Sensor(s) 106 may be included in overdose mitigation system 100 and mayprovide sensor data to the processor(s) 112. For example, load sensors,position sensors, touch sensors, ultrasonic range sensors, infraredsensors, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, sonar, opticalsensors, biosensors, force sensors, proximity sensors, Radio Frequencyidentification (RFID) sensors, Near Field Communication (NFC) sensors,wireless sensors, compasses, smoke sensors, light sensors, radiosensors, depth sensors (e.g., Red Green Blue plus Depth (RGB-D), lasers,structured-light, and/or a time-of-flight camera), microphones,speakers, radar, cameras (e.g., color cameras, grayscale cameras, and/orinfrared cameras), and/or motion sensors (e.g., gyroscopes,accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMU), and/or foot step orwheel odometry), among others may be used. In some embodiments, motionsensors may be used to help determine whether a user has suddenly fallenor passed out.

The overdose mitigation system 100 may include one or more alarms 108.In some embodiments, the alarm 108 is a speaker that produces a loud andaudible noise after receiving an overdose indicator. The alarm 108 mayalso communicate (e.g., via a transmitter or the controller/app 118)with emergency personnel, care givers, or others.

Overdose mitigation system 100 may also include one or more powersource(s) 120 configured to supply power to various components of theoverdose mitigation system 100. Any type or combination of powersource(s) 120 may be used such as, for example, one or more batteries,solar cells, or a direct, wired connection to a power source.

The user interface 122 may take various forms. In some embodiments, theuser interface 122 may be a simple switch or button that the user canflip or push and indicate an input to the overdose mitigation system100. In some embodiments, the user interface 122 may take the form of asensor 106, such as a microphone where the user can speak and indicatean input to the overdose mitigation system 100. In some embodiments, theuser interface 122 may be a graphical user interface that is integratedwithin the controller/app 118.

The actuator 124 may take various forms and more than one actuator 124can be used. In some embodiments, the actuator 124 is an electroshockdevice that is configured to stimulate the user via shock and pain. Thisstimulation can be beneficial in reviving an individual from an overdosesituation. In some embodiments, the actuator 124 is a speaker that playsa load noise, a transmitter that sends a help message, or a vibratingmechanism. The processor(s) 112 may actuate the actuators at periodicintervals until the overdose sensor no longer detects an overdoseindicator.

In some embodiments, the overdose mitigation system 100 has a housing126 that is an arm band device (similar to those used in a bloodpressure cuff) that has an integrated wrist band pulse oximeter for itssensor 106. The arm band may be designed to part of the body (e.g., theforearm or upper arm) like a sleeve. The arm band may be held closed byVelcro straps or other means to make the arm band easy to put on andremove and facilitate the use of the system with any body type or size.

The arm band will also contain an alarm 108. If a user's oxygensaturation falls below a predetermined threshold which indicates acritical level, or an overdose indicator, the alarm 108 will produce aloud sound. If the alarm is not deactivated within a predeterminedamount of time (e.g., 20 seconds, 40 seconds, or 60 seconds), a dose ofan antidote such as Naxolone will be automatically deliveredintramuscularly in the upper arm via a small syringe connected to thearm band device. The alarm 108 can be deactivated (thus stopping theinjection) by receiving an input from the user interface 122, such asflipping a switch or pushing a button.

The injector(s) 102 may be similar to any commercially availableinjector or auto-injector that is designed to deliver a dose of aparticular drug. In some embodiments, the injector(s) 102 may be coupledto the reservoir 103 with the antidote 104 and be placed in anon-injectable state as a default. In some embodiments, the reservoir103 and the injector(s) 102 may be detachable from each other and fromthe overdose mitigation system 100 in order to be exchangeable after useor in case the antidote needs to be exchanged (e.g., if the antidote ispast its expiration date and no longer approved for use).

In some embodiments, multiple injector(s) 102 may be used, and/or asingle injector(s) 102 may be used that is coupled to multiplereservoirs 103, and/or the reservoir 103 may contain multiple doses ofantidote, such that multiple doses of the antidote may be given. Thismay increase the chance of preventing death until emergency personnel ora care giver can arrive to provide further aid.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative method 200 for overdosemitigation is shown. Aspects of the method 200 may be embodied ascomputerized programs, routines, logic, and/or instructions executed bythe overdose system 100, for example by the processor(s) 112 and one ormore components of the overdose system 100, such as the injector 102. At202, the method 200 includes detecting an overdose indicator with anoverdose sensor. At 204, and in response to detecting the overdoseindicator, the method 200 includes actuating an alarm. At 206, themethod 200 includes waiting a predetermined amount of time which maycomprise 0 seconds or 0+n seconds and may, in various embodiments, beadjusted by a user. At 208, the method 200 includes delivering anantidote via an injector with a reservoir containing a narcoticantidote, unless an input is received from a user input device. At 210,method 200 includes, in response to receiving the overdose indicator,providing a stimulus via an actuator.

Turning now to FIGS. 3-5, certain embodiments of a system, device andmethod for treating nerve agent exposure are illustrated.

Nerve agent treatment system 300 includes at least one injector and maycomprise two or three injectors 302, at least one reservoir, and maycomprise two or three reservoirs 303 for holding an antidote, or acombination of antitodes 304 and that is coupled with and/or in fluidcommunication with the injector(s) 302, sensor(s) 306, an alarm 408,processor(s) 312, data storage 314, program instructions 316, acontroller/app 318, power source(s) 320, a user interface 322, actuator324, and housing 326. The nerve agent treatment system 300 is shown forillustration purposes only and may include additional components and/orhave one or more components removed without departing from the scope ofthe disclosure. Further, the various components of the nerve agenttreatment system 300 may be communicatively coupled or otherwise incommunication with each other in any manner now known or later developedthat enables the components to operate as a system to perform thefunctionality described herein.

Processor(s) 312 may be a general-purpose processor or a special purposeprocessor (e.g., digital signal processors, application specificintegrated circuits, etc.). The processor(s) 312 can be configured toexecute computer-readable program instructions 316 that are stored inthe data storage 314 and are executable to cause the nerve agenttreatment system 300 to perform the functions and features describedherein. For instance, the program instructions 316 may be executable toprovide functionality of the controller/app 318, where thecontroller/app 318 may be a smartphone application, or other externaldevice, that is configured to accept a touch input to turn off the alarmand stop an injection. The controller/app 318 may be configured tocommunicate information as well. For example, the controller/app 318 maybe configured to send a text message alert or email to emergencypersonnel or care givers indicating that a sensed detection and/orexposure of nerve agent has occurred and/or that a first, second and/orthird injector 302 has been used.

The data storage 314 may include or take the form of one or morecomputer-readable storage media that can be read or accessed byprocessor(s) 312. The one or more computer-readable storage media caninclude volatile and/or non-volatile storage components, such asoptical, magnetic, organic or other memory or disc storage, which can beintegrated in whole or in part with processor(s) 312. In someembodiments, the data storage 314 can be implemented using a singlephysical device (e.g., one optical, magnetic, organic or other memory ordisc storage unit), while in other embodiments, the data storage 314 canbe implemented using two or more physical devices. Further, in additionto the computer-readable program instructions 116, the data storage 314may include additional data such as diagnostic data, among otherpossibilities.

The nerve agent treatment system 300 may include one or more sensor(s)306. As discussed above, one sensor 306 may comprise a sensor to detectnerve agent in the atmosphere or environment surrounding the subjectwearing nerve agent treatment system 300. Such sensors are well known inthe art and comprise, without limitation, sensors adapted to detectnerve agents comprising sarin, VX, tabun, soman, mustard gas or liquid,phosgene, hydrogen cyanide, whether in vapor or liquid form, to name afew. The skilled artisan will readily recognize the various types andforms of nerve agents, each of which is within the scope of the presentinvention. Further, the sensors 306 capable of detecting the presence ofthe various types and forms of nerve agents will be well known to theskilled artisan and will include, without limitation, chemical sensorsincluding SAW chemical sensors, QCM sensors, MEMS sensors, sensors usingchemicapacitor-based detection, sensors using chemiresistive-baseddetection including but not limited to carbon nanotubes, sensors usingfield-effect transistors. Each such nerve agent sensor 306 andequivalents are within the scope of the present invention and may beconnected with processor 312 for provision of sensed data thereto.

Further, sensor(s) 306 may comprise a sensor that monitors the wearingsubject's physical symptoms for signs and symptoms of nerve gas exposureand may include a pulse oximeter sensor to measure oxygen saturationlevels. The pulse oximeter may be connected to the processor(s) 312 andconfigured to provide an overdose indicator should oxygen saturationlevels drop below a predetermined threshold. Sensor(s) 106 may beincluded in nerve agent treatment system 300 and may provide sensor datato the processor(s) 312. For example, pulse rate sensors, respiratoryrate sensors, load sensors, position sensors, touch sensors, ultrasonicrange sensors, infrared sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS)receivers, sonar, optical sensors, biosensors, force sensors, proximitysensors, Radio Frequency identification (RFID) sensors, Near FieldCommunication (NFC) sensors, wireless sensors, compasses, smoke sensors,light sensors, radio sensors, depth sensors (e.g., Red Green Blue plusDepth (RGB-D), lasers, structured-light, and/or a time-of-flightcamera), microphones, speakers, radar, cameras (e.g., color cameras,grayscale cameras, and/or infrared cameras), and/or motion sensors(e.g., gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMU),and/or foot step or wheel odometry), among others may be used. In someembodiments, motion sensors may be used to help determine whether a userhas suddenly fallen or passed out. Each such sensor, and equivalentsthereof, are within the scope of the present invention.

The nerve agent treatment system 300 may include one or more alarms 308to annunciate the detection of nerve agent in the environment and/orsymptoms of nerve agent exposure. In some embodiments, the alarm 308 isa speaker that produces a loud and audible noise after receivingindication of nerve agent detection and/or exposure. Alternatively, orin combination with a speaker-type alarm, alarm 308 may comprise avibration and/or lighted annunciation device. The alarm 308 may alsocommunicate (e.g., via a transmitter or the controller/app 318 using,e.g., text messages or similar communication device) with emergencypersonnel, care givers, or others.

Nerve agent treatment system 300 may also include one or more powersource(s) 320 configured to supply power to various components of thenerve agent treatment system 300. Any type or combination of powersource(s) 320 may be used such as, for example, one or more batteries,solar cells, or a direct, wired connection to a power source.

The user interface 322 may take various forms. In some embodiments, theuser interface 322 may be a simple switch or button that the user canflip or push and indicate an input to the nerve agent mitigation system300, including but not limited to a manual actuation switch or button tomanually initiate the injection process. In some embodiments, the userinterface 322 may take the form of a sensor 306, such as a microphonewhere the user can speak and indicate an input to the overdosemitigation system 300, including but not limited to voice-activatedinitiation of the injection process. In some embodiments, the userinterface 322 may be a graphical user interface that is integratedwithin the controller/app 318.

The actuator 324 may take various forms, when present, and more than oneactuator 324 can be used. In some embodiments, the actuator 324 is anelectroshock device that is configured to stimulate the user via shockand pain. This stimulation can be beneficial in reviving an individualfrom an overdose situation. In some embodiments, the actuator 324 is aspeaker that plays a loud noise, a transmitter that sends a help ornerve gas detection notification message via, e.g., text message, or avibrating mechanism. The processor(s) 312 may actuate the actuators atperiodic intervals until the overdose sensor no longer detects anoverdose indicator.

In some embodiments, the nerve agent treatment system 300 has a housing326 that is adapted to use with the nerve agent treatment system 300. Insome cases, the housing 326 may be positioned beneath the clothes and ofthe wearing subject and positioned to facilitate accurate and effectiveinjection(s). In other cases, the housing 326 may be positioned on theoutside of the clothes. In some embodiments, the atmospheric orenvironmental sensor for detecting the presence of nerve gas may bepositioned on the outside of the user's clothing and, preferably, nearthe user's face.

The housing may also contain an alarm 308. If a sensor detects nerve gasor related symptoms in the wearing subject, the alarm 308 will producean annunciation, e.g., a noise, light stimulus or vibration. In somecases, if the alarm 308 is not deactivated within a predetermined amountof time (e.g., 20 seconds, 40 seconds, or 60 seconds), the antidoteinjection(s) will be automatically injected into the target site on theuser. The alarm 308 can be deactivated (thus stopping the injection) byreceiving an input from the user interface 322, such as flipping aswitch or pushing a button or speaking into an interface sensor such asa microphone.

In other cases, a sensing of nerve gas or symptoms thereof by sensor(s)306, will cause an immediate and automatic antidote injection(s) withoutan intervening predetermined period of time between the alarm 308activation and injection(s).

The injector(s) 302 may be similar to any commercially availableinjector or auto-injector that is designed to deliver a dose of aparticular element of the nerve gas antidote. In some embodiments, theinjector(s) 302 may be coupled to the reservoir 303 with the antidote304 and be placed in a non-injectable state as a default. In someembodiments, the reservoir 303 and the injector(s) 302 may be detachablefrom each other and from the overdose mitigation system 300 in order tobe exchangeable after use or in case the antidote needs to be exchanged(e.g., if the antidote is past its expiration date and no longerapproved for use).

In some embodiments, multiple injector(s) 302 may be used, and/or asingle injector(s) 302 may be used that is coupled to multiplereservoirs 303, and/or the reservoir 303 may contain multiple doses ofantidote, such that multiple doses of the antidote may be given. Thismay increase the chance of preventing death until emergency personnel ora care giver can arrive to provide further aid.

Accordingly, a first injector 302 may be coupled with a first reservoir303 containing at least an effective dose of atropine, a second injector302 a may be coupled with a second reservoir 303 a containing at leastan effective dose of acetylcholinesterase reactivator, e.g., 2-PAM, anda third injector 302 b may be coupled with a third reservoir 303 bcontaining at least an effective dose of an anticonvulsant such asdiazepam. An exemplary arrangement is shown in FIG. 6.

Accordingly, the processor 312 in this case may execute programmedinstructions for injecting an effective dose of atropine, followed by asecond injection of an effective dose of the acetylcholinesterasereactivator. If convulsions are detected by a sensor, a third injectionmay be automatically initiated to deliver an effective dose of diazepam.Alternatively, the first and second injectors 302, 302 a may be arrangedfor substantially simultaneous delivery of atropine and theacetylcholinesterase reactivator from first and second reservoirs303,303 a and may, if convulsions are detected, be followed by aninjection of an effective dose of diazepam with third injector 302 bfrom reservoir 303 b.

Two or more of the group consisting of atropine, theacetylcholinesterase reactivator, e.g., 2-PAM, and the anti-convulsant,e.g., diazepam, may be combined in a single reservoir. As a result, asingle reservoir may comprise a mixture of each of atropine, theacetylcholinesterase reactivator and the anti-convulsant, e.g.,diazepam. Alternatively, atropine and the acetylcholinesterasereactivator may be combined in a single reservoir, for injection of acombined effective dose with a single injector, with the exemplaryanti-convulsant diazepam in a second reservoir for injection of aneffective dose using a second injector. These injections may be achievedsubstantially simultaneously, e.g., in a case where convulsions aredetected, or may be completed in series, with the second injectionconsisting of the anti-convulsant antidote only injected upon detectionof convulsions. As the skilled artisan will readily recognize, anycombination of the injector(s) and/or reservoir(s) are possible andwithin the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 thus illustrates embodiments for treating exposure of a nerveagent, beginning with detection of a nerve agent at 402. The detectionmay, as discussed above, be achieved by one or more sensors 306 thatdetect the presence of a nerve agent(s) in the immediate environment ofthe subject wearing the sensor and/or sense and/or detect physicalsymptoms in the subject as a result of nerve agent exposure. It isrecognized that, since nerve agents are fast acting, that these sensortypes, when both are present, may both trigger substantiallysimultaneously. In other cases, the environmental detection sensor maytrigger first, before any physical symptoms may be detected.

Regardless of the detection mechanism, i.e., either an externalatmospheric or environmental detection and/or detection of physicalsymptom of exposure, the system triggers an alarm at 404 which may beaudible, vibratory, lighted or other annunciation mechanism to alert thewearing subject and/or companions of the presence of, or exposure to,nerve agent. 1

Once the alarm 404 is triggered, two possible alternatives areillustrated. The injection of atropine at 408 and/or the exemplaryacetylcholinesterase reactivator 2-PAM at 410 may be injected asdescribed above following the waiting period at 406. Alternatively,waiting period 406 may be omitted at 412 with the injection(s) of 408,410 to follow immediately after alarm 404 is triggered.

Continuing with the embodiment of FIG. 4, if convulsions are detected bysensor(s) 306, at 414, then an automatic injection of anti-convulsantexemplar diazepam is executed at 416. As discussed above, theseinjections at 408, 410 and 416 may be combined in various ways toachieve effective treatment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a treatment for nerve agent exposure for a subjectthat is experiencing convulsions. In this case, the sensors 306 may havenot detected any nerve agent in the environment and/or physicalsymptoms, with the subject moving quickly into a convulsive state whichis detected at 502. Next, an alarm is triggered at 504 and an optionalpredetermined waiting time is provided at 506, with one embodimentincorporating the waiting time before moving to atropine injection 508and/or the acetylcholinesterase reactivator injection 510, or thecombination thereof. A second embodiment moves directly from alarmtrigger 504 to atropine injection 508 and/or the acetylcholinesterasereactivator injection 510, or the combination thereof as indicated bythe bypass arrow at 512. Either simultaneously, or immediately after theinjection(s) of atropine injection 508 and/or the acetylcholinesterasereactivator injection 510, or the combination thereof, the diazepaminjection is executed at 514. As described above, these injections ofthe atropine 508 and/or the acetylcholinesterase reactivator 510 and/ordiazepam at 514 may be combined in any manner into one or moreinjections and may be executed substantially simultaneously, i.e., inparallel, or in series.

While particular aspects and embodiments are disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art inview of the foregoing teaching. The various aspects and embodimentsdisclosed herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intendedto be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

In the foregoing description, numerous specific details, examples, andscenarios are set forth in order to provide a more thoroughunderstanding of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated,however, that embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced withoutsuch specific details. Further, such examples and scenarios are providedfor illustration only, and are not intended to limit the disclosure inany way. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the includeddescriptions, should be able to implement appropriate functionalitywithout undue experimentation.

References in the specification to “an embodiment,” etc., indicate thatthe embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the sameembodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it isbelieved to be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effectsuch feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with otherembodiments whether or not explicitly indicated.

Embodiments in accordance with the disclosure may be implemented inhardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodimentsmay also be implemented as instructions stored using one or moremachine-readable media which may be read and executed by one or moreprocessors. A machine-readable medium may include any suitable form ofvolatile or non-volatile memory.

Modules, data structures, and the like defined herein are defined assuch for ease of discussion, and are not intended to imply that anyspecific implementation details are required. For example, any of thedescribed modules and/or data structures may be combined or divided insub-modules, sub-processes or other units of computer code or data asmay be required by a particular design or implementation of thecomputing device.

In the drawings, specific arrangements or orderings of elements may beshown for ease of description. However, the specific ordering orarrangement of such elements is not meant to imply that a particularorder or sequence of processing, or separation of processes, is requiredin all embodiments. In general, schematic elements used to representinstruction blocks or modules may be implemented using any suitable formof machine-readable instruction, and each such instruction may beimplemented using any suitable programming language, library,application programming interface (API), and/or other softwaredevelopment tools or frameworks. Similarly, schematic elements used torepresent data or information may be implemented using any suitableelectronic arrangement or data structure. Further, some connections,relationships, or associations between elements may be simplified or notshown in the drawings so as not to obscure the disclosure.

This disclosure is considered to be exemplary and not restrictive. Incharacter, and all changes and modifications that come within the spiritof the disclosure are desired to be protected.

We claim:
 1. A nerve agent treatment system for a person comprising: atleast one injector coupled with at least one reservoir, the at least onereservoir containing the group consisting of atropine, anacetylcholinesterase reactivator, and an anticonvulsant; at least onesensor configured to detect the presence of nerve gas in the person'simmediate vicinity and/or nerve gas exposure symptoms exhibited by theperson; and a processor coupled to a user interface and adapted toexecute a programmable injection sequence of the at least one injector,and the at least one injector and configured to actuate the at least oneinjector in the programmed injection sequence in response to thedetection of the presence of nerve gas and/or nerve gas exposuresymptoms.
 2. The nerve gas treatment system of claim 1, furthercomprising an alarm, wherein the alarm is actuated in response to thedetection of the presence of nerve gas and/or nerve gas symptoms.
 3. Thenerve gas treatment system of claim 2, further comprising apredetermined amount of time immediately following actuation of thealarm and wherein the predetermined amount of time comprises zero ormore seconds.
 4. The nerve gas treatment system of claim 3, furthercomprising automatic actuation of the programmed injector sequenceunless an input is received from the user interface.
 5. The nerve gastreatment system of claim 1, further comprising: a first reservoircontaining atropine and in fluid communication with a first injector; asecond reservoir containing the acetylcholinesterase reactivator and influid communication with a second injector; and a third reservoircontaining the anti-convulsant and in fluid communication with a thirdinjector.
 6. The nerve gas treatment system of claim 1, wherein theacetylcholinesterase reactivator comprises 2-PAM and the anti-convulsantcomprises diazepam.
 7. The nerve gas treatment of claim 1, wherein theprogrammed injection sequence comprises at least an injection of aneffective dose of atropine, followed by an injection of an effectivedose of the acetylcholinesterase reactivator.
 8. The nerve gas treatmentof claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a sensor fordetecting convulsions in the person and where in the programmedinjection sequence comprises at least an injection of an effective doseof atropine, followed by an injection of an effective dose of theacetylcholinesterase reactivator, followed by an injection of aneffective dose of the anti-convulsant.
 9. The nerve gas treatment systemof claim 1, wherein at least one sensor comprises a pulse oximeter thatprovides a nerve gas exposure symptom indicator of the person's oxygensaturation level.
 10. The nerve gas treatment system of claim 1, whereinat least one sensor comprises a chemical sensor for sensing the presenceof nerve gas in the vicinity of the person.
 11. The nerve agenttreatment system of claim 2, wherein the alarm is selected from at leastone of the group consisting of: an audible alert, a visual alert, atactile alert.
 12. The overdose mitigation system of claim 1, whereinthe user interface is a switch and the input is a change in a positionof the switch.
 13. The overdose mitigation system of claim 1 furthercomprising a housing enclosing at least the at least one injector andthe at least one reservoir.
 14. The overdose mitigation system of claim1, wherein the reservoir is detachable from the injector.
 15. Theoverdose mitigation system of claim 1 further comprising a power sourcecoupled to the processor, the at least one sensor, and the at least oneinjector.
 16. A nerve agent treatment method for a person comprising:providing a device according to claim 2; detecting the presence of nervegas with a sensor and/or detecting nerve gas exposure in the person; andin response to detecting the presence of nerve gas and/or detectingnerve gas exposure in the person: actuating an alarm; and automaticallyinjecting a nerve gas antidote into the person according to a programmedinjection sequence.
 17. The nerve agent treatment method of claim 16,wherein the nerve gas antidote comprises atropine and 2-PAM and whereinthe programmed injection sequence comprises injecting an effective doseof atropine followed by injecting an effective dose of 2-PAM.
 18. Thenerve agent treatment method of claim 15, further comprising: detectingconvulsions in the person and wherein the nerve gas antidote comprisesan anti-convulsant.
 19. The nerve agent treatment method of claim 18,wherein the anti-convulsant comprises diazepam.
 20. The nerve agenttreatment method of claim 17, further comprising detecting convulsionsin the person and wherein the nerve gas antidote further comprisesdiazepam and wherein the programmed injection sequence further comprisesinjecting an effective dose of diazepam after the injecting of aneffective dose of 2-PAM.
 21. The nerve agent treatment method of claim16, further comprising sending at least one alert message using textmessaging or radio messaging after at least one of the group consistingof: detecting the presence of nerve agent, detecting symptoms in theperson, actuating the alarm, and injecting a nerve gas antidote into theperson according to the programmed injection sequence.